Portlaoise – Abbeyleix – Ballacolla – Rathdowney – Errill – Clonmore – Templemore – Borrisoleigh – Dolla – Doon – Pallasgreen – Herbertstown – Hospital – Bruff – Kilmallock
The 2026 Rás gets underway in Portlaoise with the sort of edge that only an opening stage carries.
The early run through Abbeyleix, Ballacolla and Rathdowney is fast and exposed, the kind of terrain where the race can split not because of climbing, but because of hesitation, wind, and a lack of organisation. It is classic "day one danger": wide roads, high speed, and constant positioning fights.
As the route leans into Tipperary, the road begins to ask more honest questions. The dip into the Silvermines at Dolla is the first place riders feel real pressure in the legs, and it suits the hardy Rás type, riders who can keep their head when the peloton stretches and snaps.
That portion of the stage also carries a natural heritage thread: Tipperary’s stamp on the Rás roll of honour is made tangible by Stephen Spratt’s overall win in 1986 for Tipperary-Yoplait, a reminder that these "hard roads" days can be the foundation of a winning week.
Old Pallas then arrives at exactly the wrong moment for anyone drifting. It is late enough to tempt a decisive move, and close enough to the finish that a committed group can force panicked chasing behind.
From there, the approach to Kilmallock is rapid and tense, perfect territory for a reduced sprint or a late raid that survives by seconds.
Kilmallock itself has recent Rás memory. It hosted the Stage 1 finish in 2024, when Alex Pritchard struck first and claimed the opening win and yellow jersey, so teams know this is not a ceremonial finish.
It is a place where the week can begin to take shape immediately. The bonus seconds from the three Sprints as well as the time bonuses on the finish line will be key in deciding who will be wearing the Yellow Jersey after Stage 1.
